Job Security, is there such a thing??

When I read the newspaper, watch the news or collect placement data from our recent grads these days, I count my blessings that I am employed and can pay my mortgage each month. I know from my daily conversations with recent graduates that the job market is tough and I think that most of us are feeling vulnerable in our current positions. The good news? According to Businessknowledgesource.com projected that 32% of employers actually plan on adding full time permanent employees. Marketing yourself so that you can be one of those hires is critical. Also, you must take steps NOW to improve your standing in your current job. Together, marketing yourself and improving your current skill set, will lead you to finding that perfect job.

While this is not an exhaustive list of principles to apply, I do always stress them with the individuals who seek out my advice. Focusing on all of them may not be realistic but drilling into one or two can help you improve your standing at work and simultaneously market yourself to others:

1) Make yourself irreplaceable-go above and beyond the call of duty to get your job done-take on extra projects, help a colleague or boss who is in need, make your skills and abilities available to others that you work with.

2) Keep your skills current, update your technical skills (for example, take an Excel or PowerPoint class), learn more about your industry by conducting your own internet research, and always learn as much as possible about your competitors and what they are doing to stay ahead of the curve.

3) Continue your education and or training, consider a graduate program and/or certifications that will keep you competitive in your field. Check with your employer, they may pay for your additional work related education or training.

4) Professional development, become an active member in a professional association within your field as this is a great way to develop your network and keep current on the trends in your industry.

5) Work harder and smarter, stay at work a little later a few days a week and trouble shoot ways to become more efficient in your current position. Develop new ideas to help your organization stay competitive.

6) Always ask for feedback and meet regularly with your boss to solicit feedback on your performance. You have to be asking what you can be doing better in your current position.

7) Go out of your way to work well with others and don’t be the office pain. When it is all said and done, if an employer is faced with layoffs, it is likely that they will let go the employees that are poor performers, hard to manage, cause interoffice conflicts, are not team players and don’t play well in the sandbox.

Don’t let the bum job market get you down, pony up and make yourself so valuable to your employer that they will go out of their way to keep you employed!